Despite the violent wind that was blowing outside, almost raking everything with its madness, inside the car, it seemed to be so passive and defensive. I tried my best not to appear anxious and focused on driving the car. She, on the other hand, looked aimlessly in mid-air. Her big eyes were so dull and therefore inscrutable. That aside, her swollen eyes, too, did not go unnoticed, so I wondered if she had just had a fight. The sudden movement of her small head made me realise I have stared at her subconsciously. She might have regarded me as an ill-mannered man as well.

" We're almost there."

My voice sounded rather calm by which I was very relieved. But the unpleasant quietness was still present as she replied back with just a light nod. I chose not to lengthen this conversation, seeing it would only result in an unwanted outcome, and went on carrying out my job of escorting her home. As a result, the noisy screams of the wind excluded, the rest of the ride was in silence. And to be honest, I did not enjoy that very much.

As my car turned left, into my field of vision, quite a new and adequate standard the neighbourhood appeared. It was not close to mine nor to the park we had just encountered at. And since she was going to walk home in this horrendous weather and for conscience's sake, I could not ignore and not lend her a helping hand. My eyes trailed along the leftward row of houses, Most were two- story houses and were rather similar to one another, I reckoned, by what I managed to see under the twirling wind. It was not until a few minutes later that I jerked up at the abrupt reminder.

" I'm sorry but, where is your house?"

How improper of me, not having asked that all important question sooner. I glanced over her petite figure whose eyes were, instead of looking for it, staring the empty space in front of the car while seemingly considered my question.

" Just about one block away."

" Sure."

I decreased the speed from 35 down to 30 km/h so as not to go past her residence by accident. No more troubles I was willing to get myself into. The car was driven for the next two minutes when all of the sudden, I eyed a certain house on the right and what was so distinct about it that caught my attention without any difficulty was the giant shadow created by the two apple trees, each by the side of the whitish house.

" That is my place."

She pointed at the one I was staring at and for some reason, I was not surprised that it was really hers. We leaned forward slightly as the car stopped almost perfectly in front of the house. I turned to her and wanted to offer my help of walking her into it but then, I saw a figure who was running towards my car. She was a middle-aged woman, pretty and slim and the girl next to me resembled her greatly. I reached over the door and opened it because I grasped the idea what there relationship was.

" Oh my goodness! Tetsuna!"

She exclaimed and simultaneously, looked at her pale face and mine.

" Excuse me, you must be-"

" No, let's talk later. For now, we should get inside immediately."

" Here you go."

I reached out and grabbed hold of the more or less half-filled glass of water.

" Thank you very much."

She beamed a warm smile at me and sat down on the armchair opposite the sofa I was situating at.

" What a dreadful weather! Don't you think so too?"

" Oh, indeed."

I felt a bit uncomfortable and I assumed she also had the same unpleasant feeling, yet, she smiled it away.

" My apologies for causing you such a trouble of bringing my daughter home."

" It's fine."

The reluctant smile did not leave her face, but those brown eyes were filled with a deep anxiety which brought me down just looking at them. It was none of my concern, but it still left me pondering the bond between the mother and the daughter. Another thought occurred in my mind that instantaneously conflicted with the previous one. And then, the stack of paperwork at home somehow slipped into my mind as well which was enough reason for me to part with this family. I stood up, which took her completely by surprise.

" Are you leaving?"

" Yes, I am. I have an urgent business, I'm afraid."

Her face saddened and there was nothing I could do about that.

" Then, at least, may I know your name?"

" Pardon me?"

" Please, it was you who helped my daughter after all."

" Well, my name is Akashi Seijuuro."

The mention of my name caused her expression to change swiftly. But she hid it well.

" Thank you. By the way, I'm Mayu Kuroko. And my daughter is Tetsuna Kuroko."

" They are both lovely names, Kuroko-san."

" I'm flattered."

I then said a parting to her and drove home just to finish my work. At the time, I did not give much thought about the girl and her mother. And never had it occurred to me that ever since the moment I gave Kuroko Tetsuna a helping hand, my fate was changed. But was it for the better or for the worse?